[Judas]

Originally Posted by Bigd400

First though I need to get all my parts order to get the chassis ready when it get back. What are the things that should be replaced (safety wise) vs keeping things original??

The front to back fuel and brake lines? Shock will be changed but do you go with the original style or something that preforms better? Springs? Who had the best complete front end kit? Still has the original style ball joints is it worth trying to replicate them?

Well that depends on your build. If your are going for 100pt show car and the car came with 4 wheel drums, thats what you put on. Otherwise, someone running 4 drums in a high powered, heavy GTO has a deathwish IMHO. Hot Rod (or was it Car Craft?) did a test with a Dodge Challenger (IIRC) and a basic disc/drum conversion shaved off something astounding from the stop distance- I think it was like 100 feet from 60mph or somesuch (its been some years, so pardon the lack of clarity on my part, but I should be in the ballpark). I also recall an editor testing a 4-drum, big block 68/69? Camaro and he described its stopping power as 'terrifying'

At the very least it should be upgraded to a disc/drum setup which is a relatively easy conversion with lots of kits and aftermarket support even if you don't elect to get the OEM parts which are cheap and common, as parts go. My car is a resto-mod so I've upped it to 4 wheel discs with a kit from Right Stuff. That might be overkill for a cruiser but I've always hated working on drum brakes because of the clockwork of springs. "Where there are springs, there is suffering."

Brake/Fuel lines: Again, depends on your build. Stock were steel lines but these, IMHO, are basically obsolete in the face of Nickle-Copper tubing that doesnt rust and is soft enough that its super easy to work. Even cheap chinese brake tools can flare/bend them properly. It costs a little more, but worth it to me.

Shocks...I have no info on. Mine are just over-the-counter, stock Monroe units. My car is a cruiser, so stock stuff should be fine. Spings- Mine are original. They seem to work, so I didnt see a reason to change them. If you are thinking of doing some road-racing, these won't cut it though and I'd check the "Race" section of the forum.

My front end (ball joints, etc) are Right Stuff parts. I can't speak to their quality since my car is still 'sleeping' (mostly) but everything fit property except for the end link bolts for the sway bar are a tad too long- they will barely touch the stem of the upper ball joint on both sides. I was able to get mine together, but I have a "TODO" to trim about 1/4in off the ends of those bolts because I don't think these parts should ever be in contact.

Hope this helps!